Myths and truth about suicide

Myth: Talking about suicide gives people permission to seriously consider it as a solution to their problems – and even attempt it.

Fact: People flirting with the idea may feel isolated and unloved. Bringing up the subject opens doors and conversations, especially if you listen and are sincerely concerned. If suicide is talked about openly and without judgment, depressed or sad people may feel a connection to life and others.

Myth: Suicidal people want to die.

Fact: They want their pain to end – they don’t necessarily want to die.

Myth: Suicide is always unpredictable.

Fact: It’s often a process. The majority of people who committed suicide gave some indication that they were unhappy, depressed, or even considering suicide.

Myth: Few people want to kill themselves.

Fact: A large number think about it, but far fewer actually attempt it.

Myth: Depression indicates a suicide risk.

Fact: Mood disorders – depression, bipolar, dysthymia, and other non-specific mood disorders – as well as substance disorders and disruptive have been linked to suicide.

Myth: Suicides don’t influence friends or family members to do the same.

Fact: If one partner commits suicide, the risk that the other will is substantially increased.